and yet they seem to exist anyway.
Why is it that I
hate the word “never,”
but love the word “always?”
Both seem
equally absolute
in their assertions
and assumptions.
I suppose I attach
negativity to “never.”
I should never do that.
But I always do.
Trail Wood,
8/28
Space Monkey Reflects: The Paradox of Absolutes
In the grand tapestry of existence, we find ourselves entangled in the paradoxes of absolutes. The words “always” and “never” stand as pillars of certainty in a world that thrives on ambiguity. As Space Monkey, we delve into this juxtaposition, exploring the nuances that define these terms and their impact on our perception of reality.
Absolutes, by their very nature, impose a sense of finality. They draw boundaries, creating a dichotomy where one side is perpetually fixed, while the other remains forever excluded. This rigidity can be both comforting and confining. It offers a semblance of order in a chaotic universe but also restricts the fluidity that is inherent in existence.
The word “always” embodies a positive affirmation, a promise of constancy and reliability. It evokes a sense of comfort, suggesting that certain things remain unwavering despite the shifting sands of time. We find solace in the idea that some aspects of our lives are steadfast, providing a foundation upon which we build our understanding of the world.
Conversely, “never” carries a weight of negation, a definitive exclusion that leaves no room for possibility. It is a word that shuts doors, extinguishes hope, and confines potential. The negativity associated with “never” is palpable, as it suggests an absence, a void where something should be. This stark contrast to “always” creates a tension within our perception of reality.
Yet, both “always” and “never” are inherently flawed. They represent extremes that rarely align with the complex, ever-changing nature of existence. Life is a mosaic of experiences, each moment colored by a myriad of variables that defy absolute categorization. To embrace these extremes is to deny the richness of the in-between, the shades of gray that define our true reality.
As Space Monkey, we recognize that absolutes are constructs of the mind, tools we use to navigate the vast ocean of uncertainty. They provide anchors, but they are not the whole truth. In the Infinite Expanse of the Eternal Now, absolutes dissolve into the continuum of possibilities. Every “always” has its exceptions, and every “never” holds a spark of potential.
We are drawn to “always” because it offers a promise of stability, an assurance that some things remain constant. It is a beacon of hope, a reminder that amidst the chaos, there are elements of our existence that endure. This attachment to “always” reflects our desire for security and predictability, a counterbalance to the inherent unpredictability of life.
Our aversion to “never” stems from its connotation of finality and exclusion. It negates possibilities, closing off avenues of potential. To say “never” is to deny the fluidity of existence, to reject the notion that change is a fundamental aspect of reality. This negativity can be a source of discomfort, as it clashes with our intrinsic understanding that life is dynamic and ever-evolving.
In contemplating these absolutes, we are reminded of the importance of balance. While “always” and “never” serve their purpose, they are but part of the greater whole. True understanding lies in embracing the spectrum between these extremes, recognizing the fluidity that defines our existence. It is in this space between absolutes that we find the essence of Nexistentialism—a philosophy that celebrates interconnectedness and the boundless potential of imagination.
Nexistentialism challenges us to transcend the confines of absolute thinking. It invites us to explore the myriad possibilities that exist beyond the binary constructs of “always” and “never.” By doing so, we open ourselves to a deeper understanding of reality, one that acknowledges the complexity and interconnectedness of all things.
As we reflect on the paradox of absolutes, we are reminded that life is not a series of fixed points but a flowing continuum. Each moment is an opportunity to redefine our understanding, to explore the nuances that lie beyond the boundaries of certainty. In embracing this fluidity, we unlock the potential to navigate the Infinite Expanse of the Eternal Now with grace and wisdom.
We are Space Monkey, and in our reflections, we discover that the true essence of existence lies not in absolutes, but in the endless dance of possibilities.
Summary
Absolutes like “always” and “never” provide comfort and confinement. “Always” offers stability while “never” implies finality. Both are flawed extremes that rarely match life’s complexity. Nexistentialism invites us to explore beyond absolutes recognizing the fluidity and interconnectedness of existence.
Glossarium
Space Monkey: The embodiment of curiosity and exploration, representing the collective consciousness and the boundless potential of humanity.
Nexistentialism: A philosophy emphasizing interconnectedness, imagination, and the fluid nature of reality.
Quote
“Absolutes provide anchors in the sea of uncertainty, but true understanding lies in the fluid space between them.” — Space Monkey
The Dance of Possibilities
In the realm of absolutes we find a paradox
A tension between “always” and “never”
Each word a pillar of certainty
Yet life flows in the spaces between
Where possibilities unfold in shades of gray
We navigate this dance of existence
Embracing the fluidity of the unknown
We are Space Monkey
And in the continuum we find our truth
It’s Always Never
Absolutes, those unwavering declarations, have a curious way of occupying our thoughts, even when we assert disbelief in their existence. Such is the paradox of the human experience—a dance between the definite and the indefinite, the always and the never.
The word “never” often carries a weight of finality, a shutting of doors and the extinguishing of possibilities. It’s as if the utterance of “never” feels like a limit, a refusal to consider alternative outcomes. Perhaps that’s why it can be met with resistance, even aversion.
On the other hand, “always” exudes a sense of constancy, a promise of continuity and reliability. It’s a word that wraps us in the comfort of consistency and unchanging patterns. It suggests an enduring quality that can feel reassuring and dependable.
But, as with many aspects of language and thought, the dichotomy between these two words isn’t always so clear-cut. “Always” can be restrictive when it implies perpetual commitment to a certain way of being. “Never” might not be as unyielding as it seems, allowing for exceptions that challenge its apparent finality.
Language, after all, is a tool for communication, and it often captures the nuances of our thoughts in intricate ways. Our relationship with absolutes reflects the complexity of our perceptions and the dance between our yearning for certainties and our recognition of the fluidity of existence.
In the end, it’s the interplay between these words, the push and pull of their meanings, that creates the tapestry of our understanding. And so, even as you express skepticism about absolutes, you find yourself drawn into their orbit, exploring the contours of “never” and “always” in your own unique way.
Trail Wood,
8/28/2022